News Archive
January 14, 2021 | Legislative Calendar
Monday marked the start of the 2021 Session for the Georgia General Assembly. The legislature met Monday through Thursday, completing day 4 out of 40 legislative days. This week consisted of swearing in all elected state legislators who will serve their districts for the next two years; discussions of COVID-19 capitol protocol for the days ahead; followed by the Governor Kemp’s third State of the State Address. Next week, the joint House and Senate Appropriations Committees will meet to hear from Governor Kemp and various state agency leaders regarding the Amended Fiscal Year 2021 and Fiscal Year 2022 Budgets. The legislature will reconvene on Tuesday, January 26 for legislative day 5.
To view House Resolution 10, the current adjournment resolution dictating the legislative calendar, click here.
(READ MORE)January 14, 2021 | Budgets - State of Georgia
The State Fiscal Year begins on July 1st and ends on June 30th each year. The House and Senate will begin appropriations hearings next week and they expect to expedite this process. This year the hearings will take a virtual format and legislators are encouraged to join the meetings online. The appropriations legislation for 2021 legislative session is likely to be released early next week.
At Thursday’s State of the State Address, Governor Kemp announced his budget plan for the upcoming year which will not include any additional budget cuts. This is expected to provide a positive outcome for education and healthcare funding during the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
January 13, 2021 | Gov. Kemp Reports 16,000+ Jobs Created During First Half of Fiscal Year
ATLANTA – January 14, 2021 – Governor Brian P. Kemp, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), today announced that more than 16,000 jobs were created across all regions of the state by economic development projects in Georgia during the first half of fiscal year 2021, generating nearly $6 billion in new investments.
This represents a 40% increase in new jobs created and a 47% increase in new investments compared to the first six months of the previous fiscal year. Numbers from the first half of fiscal year 2021 also show a significant increase in economic development projects in areas outside of the Atlanta area, with 9,782 jobs delivered outside of the 10-county metro region.
“I’m incredibly proud of our world-class economic development team, the businesses who call Georgia home, and our communities across the state who have helped the No. 1 state for business continue to deliver exceptional numbers this fiscal year,” said Governor Kemp. “Since day one, my administration has been laser-focused on creating more opportunities in our rural regions, and these numbers show that the work we’re doing to improve Georgians’ livelihoods is translating into solid jobs for hardworking people in every corner of the state.”
The state’s food processing, manufacturing, and logistics and distribution industries created nearly 70% of new jobs generated. A few examples of these projects include BandD Foods investing in an Eastern U.S. headquarters in Americus, Ken’s Foods growing their manufacturing and distribution operations in Henry County, Hyundai TRANSYS expanding in West Point, and Home Meridian International (HMI) investing in a new distribution facility in Liberty County.
Companies who already maintained a presence in the state prior to fiscal year 2021 – including Wincore Window in Swainsboro, Frito-Lay in Kathleen, and VT Industries in Rome – added 7,493 jobs and $4.6 billion of the total investment as they expanded operations over the past six months.
Foreign direct investment accounted for 28% of jobs created so far in fiscal year 2021, increasing by 46% when compared to the first half of the previous fiscal year. As GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson met with businesses and prospective Georgia investors in Italy and Germany in early October, famous tomato sauce producer La Regina Atlantica announced they would create 250 jobs and invest $20 million in a new food processing facility in Alma, and Kysor Warren Epta announced they would invest $27 million to expand their commercial refrigeration operations and create 200 jobs in Columbus.
Despite the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic, jobs and investment numbers in the State of Georgia have increased when compared to the same time period last year. Between March 1 and December 31, 2020, the Global Commerce division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development assisted in locating 252 new economic development projects, creating 25,512 jobs and $8.8 billion in investment.
“This has been an incredibly difficult year in many respects, but hardship often sparks innovation, strengthens partnerships, and leads to reinvestment and advancements in technology. We had our share of bad news in 2020, so it is particularly meaningful that our Global Commerce division helped bring good news to Georgians in literally every corner of the state – assisting in the creation of more than 16,000 new jobs during the first six months of the fiscal year,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “I want to thank our existing industries and the many companies – both international and domestic – for investing in Georgia and for believing in our workforce, business environment, and quality of life. I also would like to extend my thanks to Governor Kemp, Speaker David Ralston, Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, and our General Assembly for their unwavering support.”
During the first half of fiscal year 2021, the State of Georgia has also received several accolades for its economic development achievements. Both Site Selection and Area Development magazines named Georgia the top state for business for 2020 – the eighth and seventh consecutive years, respectively, that both publications have awarded Georgia the top ranking. In addition, GDEcD’s International Trade division earned a President’s “E Star” Award for Export Service from the U.S. Department of Commerce in recognition of “continuing significant contributions to an increase in U.S. exports.” GDEcD is the first entity in the nation to earn a fourth “E” Award.
To view announcements from the first and second quarters of the fiscal year, visit www.georgia.org/newsroom.
About GDEcD
GDEcD is the state’s sales and marketing arm and the lead agency for attracting new business investment. The Department encourages the expansion of existing industry and small businesses by locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts, film, music, and digital entertainment projects. GDEcD is also primarily responsible for planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Learn more at Georgia.org.
Original article found here.
(READ MORE)January 13, 2021 | SBA Re-Opening Paycheck Protection Program to Small Lenders on Friday, January 15 ...
Release Date: January 14, 2020 Contact: press_office@sba.gov, www.sba.gov/news
Release Number: 20-07 Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Blogs & Instagram
SBA Re-Opening Paycheck Protection Program to Small Lenders on Friday, January 15 and All Lenders on Tuesday, January 19
Lenders with $1 Billion or Less in Assets Will be Able to Submit First and Second Draw PPP Applications on Friday – Continuing Dedicated Access for Community-Based Lenders
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, will re-open the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to PPP-eligible lenders with $1 billion or less in assets for First and Second Draw applications on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 9 a.m. EST. The portal will fully open on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 to all participating PPP lenders to submit First and Second Draw loan applications to SBA.
Earlier in the week, SBA granted dedicated PPP access to Community Financial Institutions (CFIs) which include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs), and Microloan Intermediaries as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to reach underserved and minority small businesses.
On Friday, SBA will continue its emphasis on reaching smaller lenders and businesses by opening to approximately 5,000 more lenders, including community banks, credit unions, and farm credit institutions. Moreover, the agency also plans to have dedicated service hours for these smaller lenders after the portal fully re-opens next week.
“A second round of PPP could not have come at a better time, and the SBA is making every effort to ensure small businesses have the emergency financial support they need to continuing weathering this time of uncertainty,” said SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza. “SBA has worked expeditiously to ensure our policies and systems are re-launched so that this vital small business aid helps communities hardest hit by the pandemic. I strongly encourage America’s entrepreneurs needing financial assistance to apply for a First or Second Draw PPP loan.”
“We are pleased to have opened PPP loans to CDFIs, MDIs, CDCs, and Microloan Intermediaries. The PPP is already providing America’s small businesses hardest hit by the pandemic with vital economic relief,” said Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin. “As the Program re-opens for all First and Second Draw borrowers next week, the PPP will allow small businesses to keep workers on payroll and connected to their health insurance.”
First Draw PPP Loans are for those borrowers who have not received a PPP loan before August 8, 2020. The first round of the PPP, which ran from March to August 2020, was a historic success helping 5.2 million small businesses keep 51 million American workers employed.
Second Draw PPP Loans are for eligible small businesses with 300 employees or less, that previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will use or have used the full amount only for authorized uses, and that can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. The maximum amount of a Second Draw PPP loan is $2 million.
Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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January 13, 2021 | Governor Kemp Gives Third State of the State Address
Governor Brian Kemp addressed a joint session of the Georgia General Assembly along with other elected leaders for his third State of the State Address. He detailed the state’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Georgia’s economic recovery efforts, and his legislative proposals. Governor Kemp highlighted that Georgia has shown resilience in the fight against Covid-19 and has been at the forefront, nationwide, of maintaining business safely and responsibly. He discussed the importance of building a strong foundation now for future businesses and expanding the recent growth of the healthcare industry in the state.
With respect to his budget proposals, Governor Kemp is proposing no new tax increases, budgets cuts, or layoffs/furloughs of state employees. His budget will also include a $1,000 supplement for teachers from the CARES Act, $75 million to improve access to healthcare,
$5 million to keep 10,000 college juniors and seniors enrolled, and $1M for state tourism marketing. His legislative proposals will include a significant change in the citizen's arrest law, a personal protective equipment (PPE) tax break, and continued work toward ending human trafficking. Governor Kemp ended his message stressing the importance of leaving events of 2020 in the past and looking ahead toward the future, as well as working in a bipartisan manner for the good of Georgia.
Click here for the teaser leading up to State of the State
Click here to view the broadcast footage of Governor Kemp’s State of the State Address
January 10, 2021 | DCA funding community agencies to respond to housing issues faced by Georgia neighbors due to COVID
DCA has funded community agencies to respond to housing issues faced by Georgia neighbors due to COVID-19. This partnership provides multiple benefits to communities: providing housing stability to residents, rehousing individuals and families, and revitalizing communities through financial incentives to property owners and landlords. These agencies have funding to cover unpaid rent balances, new move-in costs, and current/ongoing rent payments. The partnership further invests in the local communities by offering property owners a stream of tenants to fill vacancies, supportive services to keep a peaceful living environment, and reliable payments to ensure landlords have the revenue necessary to maintain the property and pay their bills. We have partnerships with agencies across the state to ensure as few Georgians as possible experience housing insecurity as a result of the pandemic.
Read more here.
(READ MORE)December 13, 2020 | IHG Hotels & Resorts and Explore Georgia invite visitors to go beyond the headlines ...
IHG Hotels & Resorts and Explore Georgia invite visitors to go beyond the headlines, Where True Hospitality meets Southern Hospitality
ATLANTA, December 14, 2020 —In 1960, the soulful, Georgia-born singer Ray Charles hit the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time with the song “Georgia On My Mind.” To this day, that iconic tune is one of his most-loved recordings. Fast forward to present day, and Georgia, it seems, is on everyone’s mind. That’s why IHG Hotels & Resorts is teaming up with Explore Georgia, the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, to promote that Georgia has much more to explore. Guests can book IHG’s Stay Longer and Save rate and save up to 20% when they stay three nights or more at select properties across the state through Feb. 28, 2021. With scenic mountains and tranquil beaches, big cities and small towns, places that shaped democracy and civil rights, majestic National Parks and State Parks, and Southern food that is good for the soul – it’s easy to see that there is so much more to Georgia than its peaches.
“We’re proud to call Georgia home to our U.S. headquarters and the thousands of our colleagues who work, live, and play here,” stated Brian Hicks, SVP, Americas Commercial & Revenue Management, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “We’ve partnered with Explore Georgia because we both share a deep passion for the vast experiences the Peach State has to offer, including the places and stories that don’t make the news but are so essential to the fabric of Georgia. Our company’s passion is delivering True Hospitality, and what better way to showcase that than in our own backyard.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with our friends at IHG Hotels & Resorts to showcase so many great places to stay in our state,” said Mark Jaronski, Deputy Commissioner of Tourism for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “No matter where you call home, a safe, enjoyable escape to Georgia’s great cities, small towns, mountains, beaches, state and national parks is never far away.”
Peach State locations to stay and explore include:
Atlanta: The birthplace and home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Atlanta was the spiritual epicenter of the Civil Rights movement. Visit Dr. King’s childhood home and Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached his famous sermons. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the King Center are dedicated to the movement’s struggles and achievements. Crowne Plaza Midtown is close to all these sites, and rooms provide ample space for work and rest, while the Buckhead neighborhood is home to InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, a luxury flagship hotel. The recently renovated Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia is also close to all that Atlanta has to offer and just 20 minutes away in Roswell is Chattahoochee Nature Center and Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – one of 11 stunning National Parks in Georgia. For a quieter, more distinct experience, drive 20 minutes north to Alpharetta and stay at the wellness-focused EVEN Hotel Alpharetta – Avalon Area. View the trip planning guide to Atlanta here.
Savannah: Settled in 1773 by General James Oglethorpe, Savannah is Georgia’s first city, and there is no shortage of reasons to visit this quintessential southern locale. Visitors may recognize the majestic live oaks draped with Spanish moss and gothic architecture from popular movies, but the city’s beauty and rich legacy are worth experiencing in person. Book a guest room at the charming Kimpton Brice Hotel in Savannah’s Historic Landmark District, perfect for a scenic stroll along the Savannah River. View the trip planning guide to Savannah here.
Macon: With a thriving river economy that started with the indigenous community long before European settlers arrived, Macon is now a bustling city with many historical sites, eye-catching architecture, and a legendary music scene. It’s also home to Wesleyan College, the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women. Stay just five minutes from the historic downtown at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Macon North. View the trip planning guide to Macon here.
Athens: Home to The University of Georgia and birthplace of iconic American music groups R.E.M. and The B-52s, Athens boasts historic homes, the 300-acre State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and nationally recognized craft breweries (Tropicália, anyone?). Although called “The Classic City,” there isn’t anything conventional about Athens, and to really get a feel for its neighborhoods, stay at Hotel Indigo Athens Downtown. View the trip planning guide to Athens here.
Augusta: Famous for hosting the annual Masters Tournament, Augusta was also the boyhood home of President Woodrow Wilson, who served as the 28th President of the United States. George Walton, the youngest signatory to sign the U.S. Declaration of Independence, was also from Augusta. Visit these historical home sites or the new mural of the Godfather of Soul, Augusta’s own James Brown, while staying at avid hotel Augusta W – Grovetown, one of IHG’s newest hotel brands. View the trip planning guide to Augusta here.
Responsible Travel
Safety precautions to combat COVID-19 are critical to both the state and its visitors right now. Therefore, Explore Georgia continues to promote safe travel and encourages all visitors, residents and businesses to follow the Georgia Safety Promise, which includes wearing a mask, maintaining a social distance and washing hands. While visiting an IHG hotel, be reassured that cleanliness and safety are top of mind. The company’s longstanding commitment to rigorous cleaning procedures includes the IHG Way of Clean program developed with Ecolab and Diversey, both world leaders in hygiene and cleaning technologies.
About IHG®
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo®, EVEN® Hotels, HUALUXE® Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, voco™, Holiday Inn® Hotels & Resorts , Holiday Inn Express®, Holiday Inn Club Vacations®, avid™ hotels, Staybridge Suites®, Atwell Suites™, and Candlewood Suites®. IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns nearly 6,000 hotels and 890,000 guest rooms in more than 100 countries, with approximately 1,900 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also manages IHG® Rewards Club, our global loyalty programme, which has more than 100 million enrolled members. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 400,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.ihgrewardsclub.com for more on IHG Rewards Club. For our latest news, visit: https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media and follow us on social media at: Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Explore Georgia
Explore Georgia, the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, is the state’s official destination marketing organization. Through its home office in Atlanta, nine visitor information centers, and a network of representatives across the globe, Explore Georgia inspires travel to and within the state. The division works to advance Georgia’s $68.82 billion tourism industry that supports 484,056 jobs. As home to the biggest cities in the region, the most diverse population, and a geographical range from the mountains to the beach, Georgia has the South’s most unexpected sights and stories. Learn more at ExploreGeorgia.org.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, aligning workforce education and training with in-demand jobs, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Learn more at georgia.org.
Contact
Emily Murray
Sr. Communications Specialist Tourism, Entertainment and Arts
404.962.4078
emurray@georgia.org
December 3, 2020 | HARGRAY PROVIDES COMPUTERS TO PEACH COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL TO SUPPORT ONLINE LEARNING
HILTON HEAD, S.C. — [12/3/20] — Today, Hargray donated twenty Dell Inspiron 22 3000 All-in-One Desktop computers and $10,000 to Peach County High School in Fort Valley, GA. The donation will be used to start a school program for students without access to a computer and high-speed internet at home and to support teachers with online learning.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses schools with the challenge of incorporating distance learning into their curriculum. Peach County High School is economically disadvantaged, with nearly all students receiving free or reduced lunch. Many teachers and families are struggling to obtain the proper devices and internet connection to support distance learning. Hargray's goal is to maximize students' access to education and minimize interruptions in schooling caused by the pandemic.
"We understand that this pandemic has put added stress on schools and families to acquire the necessary tools to complete online learning," said Chris Lyons, Hargray General Manager. "We saw an opportunity to alleviate some of that pressure by providing computers and extra funds to keep Peach County students on track with their coursework. The idea sprung from our conversation with Jo Cobb, President of the Peach County Touchdown Club, about our athletic sponsorship this season. We realized the critical need this year for students to stay connected to their education."
During the spring semester of last year's school year, when schools moved entirely to distance learning, many families did not have adequate equipment for this transition. This year, Peach County High School is offering two options for students. One option is 100 percent online, and the other is a hybrid schedule that incorporates online and in-person learning. Both options require students and teachers to have access to High-Speed Internet and a connected device. Hargray offers speeds up to 1,000 Mbps to support this level of activity. This donation of computers and funding will help teachers at Peach County High facilitate online learning and close the digital divide students face.
"We are thrilled to have the support of Hargray now more than ever. This donation demonstrates Hargray's commitment to the community and local education," said Dr. Ken Hartley, Principal, Peach County High School.
"This year has brought unique challenges causing families to suffer economically. Hargray's gift comes at a crucial time for us. These resources will supplement district resources to ensure all students have access to the necessary tools at home to navigate distance learning,” said Dr. Lionel Brown, Superintendent, Peach County Schools.
Hargray also offers a Jumpstart program that offers discounted services for qualifying families. For more information on Hargray's Jumpstart Program, visit www.hargray.com/jump-start.
About Hargray
Founded in 1947, Hargray is a regional telecommunications company providing advanced communications and entertainment services in a growing set of markets in the southeastern United States. Hargray delivers the most advanced technology and the best service for its customers and is active in the communities it serves by supporting a wide range of local charities, organizations, projects, and events.
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For more information, contact:
Karen Cline, Digital Marketing & PR Manager
Hargray Communications
843-341-1567 (o)
(READ MORE)December 2, 2020 | Thirty-one Georgia Companies Receive 2020 GLOBE Awards, Four Recognized as Exporters of the Year
ATLANTA, December 3, 2020 —The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today announced its International Trade division’s 2020 GLOBE Award recipients. This state-led awards program highlights Georgia companies that entered new international markets in the previous year. During calendar year 2019, GLOBE winners from 17 counties across Georgia collectively entered 75 new international markets.
“Success in global markets takes commitment and hard work. Our Georgia made products and services are making a mark around the world,” said Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp. “We’re proud to celebrate these companies for their contributions to a thriving Georgia economy through exports.”
The 2020 GLOBE Award winners represent nearly every corner of the state, and are predominately small businesses. This year, 84% of the recipients employ fewer than 100 people, with 52% of the winning companies employing fewer than 20 people. In addition, nearly half of the winners this year entered one of the 12 markets where GDEcD has international representation.
“We are excited to celebrate our 31 GLOBE Award winners. The strong international framework our trade team and our Georgia exporters have established over the past several years has kept Georgia on a solid trajectory, despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “From aerospace manufacturing to agriculture, nearly every sector of our economy is represented among our awardees, proving how exporting and the state’s strong international partnerships help strengthen Georgia’s economic vitality.”
Four outstanding companies were also recognized as 2020 Exporters of the Year. These four small, mid-size and large exporters of the year are highlighted here. A digital image of the crystal GLOBE Award that will be presented to recipients is also available here.
The 2020 Exporters of the Year are:
- Exporter of the Year, small company: Poriferous, LLC, Newnan
- Exporter of the Year, mid-size company: Sunnyland Farms, Inc., Albany
- Exporter of the Year, mid-size company: Vital4, Marietta
- Exporter of the Year, large company: Zcorum, Alpharetta
*** Additional details about each of the winners follow below. ***
In addition, Parts and Repair Technical Services, Inc., in Stockbridge, was recognized for excellence as a new exporter. P.A.R.T.S. Inc. represents more than 140 U.S. aircraft parts manufacturers, specializing in urgent, non-stock listed, hard-to-find, or obsolete parts, and has emerged as a trusted and well-known partner to countries across the world.
A complete list of the 2020 GLOBE Award winners:
AGRI International LLC, Atlanta
American 3B Scientific, LP, Tucker
Crider Foods, Stillmore
DataSeers, Alpharetta
Easy Bar Inc., Kennesaw
Fischer Connectors, Inc., Alpharetta
Hydro Dynamics, Inc., Rome
Inno Concepts Inc. dba CocoaTown, Alpharetta
Jetaire Group, Fayetteville
LivFul, Inc., Alpharetta
Matrix Surgical USA, Atlanta
Okabashi Brands Inc., Buford
One-World, Inc., Tucker
Osborne Wood Products, Inc., Toccoa
Parts and Repair Technical Services Incorporated, Stockbridge
Patientory, Inc., Atlanta
Petrolern LLC, Brookhaven
Plurium Technology, LLC, Peachtree Corners
Poriferous, LLC, Newnan
Rackettown Mustangs, Lyons
RCF Technologies, Vidalia
Richland Distilling Company, Richland
Rotorcorp LLC, Atlanta
Sunnyland Farms, Inc., Albany
The Seydel Companies, Pendergrass
THERMOCOAX, Alpharetta
Trans Globe, Woodstock
UNITED SOFT PLASTICS, Lawrenceville
Valtorc International, Kennesaw
Vital4, Marietta
Zcorum, Alpharetta
“Our entire International Trade team looks forward to celebrating our GLOBE Award winners every year,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Deputy Commissioner for International Trade Mary Waters. “I’m very proud not only of our winners’ exceptional international achievements, but also of the guidance and tailored information our trade team has been able to equip them with every step of the way.”
The GLOBE Awards program began in 2014 as a way to recognize local businesses contributing to Georgia’s economic growth through global trade. Since its inception, the GLOBE Awards have recognized nearly 200 Georgia businesses from 48 counties across the state who entered new international markets.
Exporter of the Year, small company: Poriferous, LLC
Based in Newnan, Poriferous specializes in porous polyethylene surgical implants used in rhinoplasties and facial aesthetics. Additional information can be found online at www.poriferous.com.
Exporter of the Year, mid-size company: Sunnyland Farms, Inc.
Based in Albany, Sunnyland specializes in delivering gourmet nuts, candies and confections directly to consumers. The company also sells wholesale pecans directly to businesses. Additional information can be found online at www.sunnylandfarms.com.
Exporter of the Year, mid-size company: Vital4
Based in Marietta, female-owned Vital4 provides data to corporations to prevent bribery, corruption, terrorism, money laundering and other security risks. The company has found a great need for their services in other countries. Vital4 won the 2018 Metro Atlanta Export Challenge and came in second place at the Metro Atlanta Pitch Challenge in 2019. Additional information about Vital4 can be found online at https://vital4.net/.
Exporter of the Year, large company: Zcorum
Based in Alpharetta, ZCorum provides software tools and management services such as engineering and customer support to cable, telephone, fiber and wireless companies globally. Additional information can be found online at www.zcorum.com.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit www.georgia.org for more information.
Contact
Marie Hodge Gordon
Director of Communications
404-962-4075
MGordon@Georgia.org
Alison Wentley
Communications Specialist
404-962-4086
AWentley@Georgia.org
December 2, 2020 | Middle Georgia Economic Developers Launch Regional Job Portal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 3, 2020
A group of Development Authority execs have launched a regional platform to assist companies and job seekers to better connect.
The economic developers across the 11-county region are members of a proactive group named the Middle Georgia Economic Alliance (MGEA.) Member counties are Baldwin; Crawford; Houston; Jones; Macon-Bibb; Monroe; Peach; Pulaski; Putnam; Twiggs and Wilkinson. The group has been working together as a collaborative for the past 15 years. Workforce development has become a focus for their organization and organizations across the nation that are in the business of recruiting new companies and responding to the needs of existing companies in their communities. For this reason, the economic developers are working closely to enhance the relationships between their educational institutions and local industries to communicate the needs of employers and provide relevant career pathways for students.
Equally important is the need to promote new career choices to adults in search of opportunities. The pandemic has caused many people who have either been temporarily out of work or who have permanently lost their jobs to realize that selecting a new career path may be necessary. MGEA is partnering with the technical college and higher educational institutions in the area to assist people in determining the needed skills and educational attainment necessary to reach their full potential and find a rewarding career. If a person is uncertain of what jobs they are best equipped for, an online assessment, YouScience, is made available. The YouScience assessment provides a road map for the individual, outlining careers that align personal interests and talents.
"It has been remarkable to witness the resiliency of our manufacturers across the region during the most trying times to date. The pandemic presented many challenges for the companies in Middle Georgia; however, they all quickly rose to the occasion and took on the issues at hand. They responded in a way that was expedient and efficient. Most importantly, they kept the health and safety of their employees at the forefront. Even more remarkable to note is that most companies continue to hire people throughout the crisis, and they continue to hire in large numbers.” - Angie Gheesling, Executive Director, Development Authority of Houston County
The online job portal provides a means to explore job openings at middle Georgia companies. The sophisticated search engine allows the person to query based on location, the specific industry, job positions and certifications. To learn more, visit www.mgeaworks.com As of 5:00 p.m. on December 2, there were 8,826 job postings on the website.
For more information call our office at 478-825-3826